Ohio is going to be a hard fought-over state in this presidential election. And consequently, the economy of this bellwether state has become highly scrutinized.

. . .

By 2010, Ohio will be one of only two states without a general tax on corporation profits or a property tax on business machinery, equipment and inventories. This year is the last for Ohio's business property tax; next year is the last for the corporation profits tax. And Ohio's personal income tax rates are falling by 21% across the board.

Between 2005 and 2007, Ohio's per capita state tax burden has already fallen to 38th in the nation, from 27th, according to the Federation for Tax Administrators. When the new tax cuts are phased in, Ohio's business taxes will be the lowest in the Midwest.

Exports, meanwhile, are booming. In 2007, Buckeye State exports totaled more than $42 billion, up 11.1% from 2006, making Ohio the only state in which exports have increased each year since 1998.

. . .

Ohio recently passed a bipartisan $1.57 billion jobs stimulus plan that will invest strategically in our infrastructure, future work force and growth industries such as biosciences and renewable energy. Our new Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard requires at least 25% of electricity sold in Ohio to be generated from new and advanced technologies by 2025. This will create vast new opportunities for green energy businesses in Ohio.

. . .

Ohio now leads the Midwest in the growth of venture capital investments in the biosciences; we rank first nationally in per capita clinical trials and operate the largest center for stem cell and regenerative medicine between the coasts. . . .

Mr. Strickland, a Democrat, is governor of Ohio. Mr. Fisher, a Democrat, is lieutenant governor of Ohio.

Interesting article by the Democratic governor and Lt. Governor of Ohio. Here's a key quote:

"The biggest shift is in taxes. Ohio business leaders told us that our tax structure was outdated and made the state uncompetitive. So, in a bipartisan manner, we restructured our tax laws to lower the burden for business."

I had heard that Ohio was dying due to high taxes and stifling union rules, supported by the Democrat politicians. If what these politicians say is true, it sounds like they're doing the right things.

Ohio Freepers: What do you say? I'm a former Buckeye, but I've been out of the state for 20 years.

I frequently check the online newspaper of the small Ohio town where I grew up. Today they have a poll to vote for President. This town is just north of Dayton. McCain/Palin are leading with 63%. Obama/Biden have 26%. I will monitor this for the next few weeks and let you know. I just know Ohioans are smarter than to buy into Obama’s radical Leftist politics.

I noticed some of those “qualifier” (read: weasel) words like reduced “general” corporate taxes rather than a more definitive statement. Happy to be proven wrong, though, as I am hopeful for the Buckeye State.

I don't know. Some like Strickland have a lick of common sense and realize to make their state competitive, taxes and government growth have to be reduced. Others like Granholm, are stuck in the big government New Deal mindset and strangle their state with higher taxes, more bureaucracy and stifling regulation. The Democrats are still on Granholm's suicidal path. We don't know when their party will wake up and rejoin the American mainstream.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

Yeah but they embrace these tax cuts. The national Democrats are addicted to higher taxes, more spending and making the mammoth federal bureaucracy bigger. As I said, they have to decide if they can continue to be that kind of party, for its a vision for the country the American people reject.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

I lived in NE Ohio my whole life (I’m 62)and moved to SC last October because I could not make a decent living and I couldn’t stand the weather. Needless to say, I don’t think Ohio is on the path to greatness.....it is a depressing economy and a depressing grey state

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